Synoptic emergency cellular device and system

ABSTRACT

A medical cellular device for use during travel is described. The device includes a call module, a geographic location determining module, and an application containing personal medical information, a database of emergency numbers and corresponding geographic locations, and a security module for selectively controlling display of the personal medical information on the device. The device allows an emergency number to be selected from the database of emergency numbers according to a geographic location of the device determined from the geographic location determining module. The call module is configured to transmit a signal from the device to the selected emergency number. The application is configured to lock access to the personal medical information. In embodiments, the personal medical information and/or instructions that medical help is needed can be transmitted to the selected emergency number as well.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and is a Continuation-In-Part(CIP) application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/808,395 filedJul. 24, 2015 (published Nov. 19, 2015 as U.S. Application PublicationNo. US 2015/0334546), which application claims priority to and is aDivisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/694,629filed Dec. 19, 2012 (published Jun. 19, 2014 as U.S. ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0171011 and patented Oct. 6, 2015 as U.S. Pat. No.9,154,931). The disclosures of these applications are each incorporatedby reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

There is a growing need, and predictions for an even faster futuregrowing need, for medical services given the number of post-World War IIchildren or “baby boomers” that have and continue to become 65 years orolder. This growth in numbers, and its corresponding growth inresponsive medical emergency services, is predicted to continue even forthe next 20 years. This demographic, along with the increases in medicalconditions such as obesity and diabetes, particularly in this agepopulation, will place increased demands on the use of medicalfacilities and the providing of emergency medical services. Thesedemands particularly, although not exclusively, will come from thisaging population due in part to their statistical proneness to cardiacand stroke emergencies.

At the same time, “senior citizens” today are more mobile than ever,maintaining active lifestyles, for longer, than their prior generations.It is to the advantage of this baby boomer generation particularly, anddesirable that they have access to an emergency apparatus that allows aperson to respond to an emergency. Moreover, such an emergency deviceshould not inhibit, intrude upon or restrict a person's active andmobile lifestyle, yet it still must be readily accessible given theunpredictable nature of when, or even if, a medical emergency situationwill occur. In other words, the device and its functionality should beportable as well.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure teaches an emergency cellular device, an application(APP) for use with such a device, an emergency cellular alert system,and methods for performing an emergency response and for using anemergency cellular device.

The disclosure teaches a small size emergency cellular device suitableto be worn indiscriminately on the person so to provide a mobileemergency alert quickly and conveniently at the onset of an emergencyevent.

In one embodiment an emergency cellular device makes available toemergency responders vital information needed to deal with the emergencyat hand, without giving “overload” of information.

In another embodiment, a synoptic information key is provided to theuser to enhance a response to an emergency. Additionally, an emergencyalert system using the emergency cellular device whereby a call centeris able to notify emergency responders of the event and to mostefficiently provide necessary information to the responders.

In another embodiment, an emergency cellular device has an applicationcontaining user information that includes synoptic medical information,a memory storage for electronically storing information, a call modulecomprising a transmit-receive unit configured to transmit a wirelessemergency signal comprising identifying information from the cellulardevice to a call center and receive a confirming wireless responsesignal from the call center, and a touch screen for selectivelydisplaying the user information, and a display module for controllinginformation for display on the touch screen, wherein the cellular deviceis configured to receive and download the application and any updatesthereto from the call center.

In another embodiment, the cellular device is configured so that receiptof the confirming wireless response signal causes a menu of the userinformation to be displayed on the touch screen and the user informationto be available for viewing. Other embodiments include a responsiveconfirm signal that triggers in the cellular device a transmission ofthe user information to the call center; the call module comprises anemergency button that upon being depressed transmits the emergencysignal.

In another embodiment, the cellular device may be configured so thatreceipt of the confirming wireless response signal activates a digitalvoice signal for broadcast from the cellular device.

Further, the cellular device can be configured so that receipt of theconfirming wireless response signal activates an audible signal that isrepeatedly broadcasted at a predetermined time interval from thecellular device. A menu is displayed on a touch screen of the emergencycellular device that contains at least one of user informationcategories from the group of personal data, medical diagnoses, drugs andvaccinations/allergies, and the content of a selected one of the userinformation categories is displayed on the touch screen upon a touch onthe touch screen of the selected one of the at least one of userinformation categories in the menu.

In another embodiment, a microphone and a voice activation unit can beoperationally connected to the call module that is configured totransmit a user's voice received at the microphone and the identifyinginformation as the wireless emergency signal transmitted to the callcenter. The sending of the wireless emergency signal from the cellulardevice, the display module can cause a key pad to be displayed on thetouch screen, with the key pad configured to display the userinformation upon entry of a code into the cellular device using the keypad. In embodiments, the security code can be activated or deactivatedby the user/owner of the cellular device, such that locking access tothe medical information is optional. A memory storage of the devicecontains stored biological markers comprising at least one from thegroup of a finger print and an iris scan of the user. In thisembodiment, displayed predetermined information contains at least onebiological marker icon corresponding to the stored biological markerscomprising at least one from the group of a finger print and an irisscan, and access to and a display of the user information is obtained byan input of a matching one from the group of a finger print and a irisscan to a corresponding one of the said at least one from the group of afinger print and an iris scan.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, an application is adapted forbeing downloaded into an electronic device and run on a compatibleoperating system for communicating information including medicalinformation and synoptic medical information and when run on acompatible operating system, the application displays a numeric pad forentry of an access code, or voice activation for entry of a securityaccess code. Entry of a numeric number, touch of an entry on the touchscreen on a displayed menu screen, or use of voice as an audible signalto designate a selected item in the menu, produces a display of theselected information.

In yet another embodiment, an electronic emergency call system has acall center, an emergency rescue communication center operationallyconnected with the call center, and an emergency cellular devicecomprising an application sent, and received at the cellular device,from the call center. The application is configured to display synopticmedical information following activation of an emergency wireless callsignal by a user of the medical cellular device and transmitted to thecall center, and the call center communicates with the emergency rescuecommunication center to commence a physical response to a site of themedical cellular device.

In one embodiment, the synoptic medical information is displayed at thecall center, and as another feature the synoptic medical information isdisplayed on a touch screen on the medical cellular device.

In still another embodiment, there is presented a method forcommunicating emergency medical information that includes the steps ofdownloading an application containing synoptic medical information sentfrom a call center to a medical cellular device, said medical cellulardevice being wearable on a user of the medical cellular device, sendingan emergency call signal activated by the user from the medical cellulardevice to the call center, notifying an emergency rescue communicationcenter of a medical emergency situation at a location of the medicalcellular device and conveying related user information from the callcenter, and responding by emergency rescue personnel to the location ofthe medical cellular device pursuant to the conveyed related userinformation.

Other technical features, variations and applications may be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures,descriptions and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, togetherwith the description, further serve to enable a person skilled in thepertinent art to make and use these embodiments and others that will beapparent to those skilled in the art. The disclosure will be moreparticularly described in conjunction with the following drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the emergency cellular device and itsprimary components;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an emergency alert system usingthe emergency cellular device;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a numeric keypad as used in the emergencycellular device;

FIG. 4 is a menu screen display according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is another menu screen display according to an alternativeembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the opening of specific data foldersfrom the menu screen;

FIG. 7 is a planar view of the touch screen of the emergency cellulardevice with projected planar view of the four sides according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of the emergency cellular devicemounted in a wearable piece of jewelry;

FIG. 9 is a horizontal flow graph illustrating steps in the use of theemergency cellular device according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 presents multiple block diagrams showing an alternativeembodiment of the touch screen face of the emergency cellular device andits relation to a displayed numeric keypad and an icon display ofavailable data file folders;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing steps in using the emergency cellulardevice according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 is another flow chart showing steps in using the emergencycellular device according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing steps in a method for communicatingduring a medical emergency event.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Emergency Cellular Device Components

FIG. 1 illustrates an emergency cellular device 100 and its primarycomponents. The emergency cellular device (also referred to at timesherein as “cellular device” and “device” for simplicity) has an outerhousing 102 that can be made of any material suitable for housingcomponents and connections of the cellular device. Although shown asbeing a square or rectangular shape, the housing of the cellular devicecan be of any shape. The housing shape is relevant especially to anyintended mounting of the device such as in a piece of jewelry, discussedlater.

The cellular device contains input/output ports 104 as necessary toenable selected functions available with the cellular device, also to bediscussed later. A central processing unit (CPU) 106 performs the signalprocessing and switching functions as part of its overall processing andcontrol of the emergency cellular device's operation. Part of thiscontrol is with regard to data stored in the device's memory storage 108where data is stored in files according to subject matter, such as auser's synoptic medical condition or history, prescribed drugs andallergies of the user, contact information of family and others, and thelike.

A call module 110 contains transmit and receive units, or a transceiver,for establishing and using a radio frequency (RF) communication channelbetween the user and a call center. The call center could be acommunication facility associated with a particular hospital, or anyother such facility the cellular device is associated with for itsoperation. Operationally connected to call module 110 is antenna 112.

Emergency button (Emerg button) 114 is a button that the user presses,pushes or depresses to activate the sending of an emergency alert signalto the call center. Microphone 116 is used for the user to be able tospeak to the call center as a part of the responsive sequences to thetransmission of the emergency alert signal.

Switch 118 is used for the user to set the cellular device for either amanual or voice-activated operation in terms of activating the sendingof the emergency alert signal. In the manual position, the signal isactivated by the pressing of Emerg button 114. In the voice position,the signal is activated by the user's voice, such as by yelling the word“help”, or the like, which is picked up by microphone 116, and the audiosignal arrives at CPU 106 where the signal is processed and a signal fortransmission is generated from call module 110 and radiated out as atransmitted signal from antenna 112. The microphone in one embodiment ismaintained in an ON state after the emergency alert signal istransmitted until such time as the cellular device is turned off bydisconnecting its battery power. This continually-on function allows thecall center to continue to monitor any audible sounds or statementsduring the time of the emergency situation so to enhance the awarenessand monitoring of the situation at the call center. In an alternativeembodiment, the microphone is turned off when the communication channelestablished between the call center and the user with the cellulardevice is terminated after the initial emergency signal is received andany follow-up communication between the two parties to the communicationis completed.

Speaker 120 projects outwardly an audible signal from a convertedreceived electronic signal from the call center. Speaker 120 throughwith the call center audibly communicates to the user, and microphone116 through with the user communicates with the call center, make up thetwo way communication that is enabled between the user and the callcenter after transmission of the emergency alert signal.

Display module 122 in cooperation with CPU 106 controls the display oftemplates and data files stored in the cellular device. This display isprojected on a touch screen 124, which also serves as a switch assemblyin that information is selected and displayed by the touching of thescreen on a selected text, a computer icon, symbol, or the like. Thedevice is powered by a battery power supply 126. An on-off switch (notshown) could be added to connect and disconnect the power supply.Alternatively, the device can become activated with power when thebattery supply is connected, and turned off by simply disconnecting orremoving the battery, which conserves space on the small size ascontemplated for the emergency cellular device by not using a manualon-off switch component.

It is understood that the identified components are operationallyconnected within the emergency cellular device and are connected toinput and output connectors or ports as used in various optionsavailable for the emergency device, as further discussed shortly withreference to input/output port 104.

Emergency Alert System

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an emergency alert system usingthe emergency cellular device. In a system contemplated for use of theemergency cellular device, a user is, for example, at a residence 201with the emergency cellular device activated for a medical emergencysituation protective function. The user is in communication with a callcenter 205 via communication link or channel 203. Channel 203 is usedfor call center 205 to initially transmit an APP containing datarelevant to the particular user to the emergency cellular device fordownloading into the device. Channel 203 would thereafter be used fortransmission of an emergency alert signal from the user in residence 201upon occurrence of a medical emergency.

Upon receipt of the emergency alert signal, which identifies the user asthe sender, the call center, in one aspect of the disclosure,immediately makes contact with an appropriate rescue station. For thepurpose of this description, the rescue station is referred to as anemergency medical responder station (EMR) 207. However, this could beany suitable office for responding to the emergency, such as ahospital's ambulance service. For example, if the cellular device wereused in a personal security environment, the emergency responder wouldbe a police department of private security agency office. In anotheraspect of the disclosure, the call center upon receipt of the emergencyalert signal, opens a two-way communication channel 203 with theemergency cellular device for confirmation of an emergency situation andto obtain any additional information from the user as appropriate.

After the call center has notified EMR 207 of the emergency, aresponding unit is dispatched and proceeds to residence 201, asindicated in FIG. 2 by directional line 211.

While en route, call center 205 is able to communicate further with theresponding unit via a communication link 209, which allows for efficientuse of time in communication details known about the situation after theresponding unit is immediately dispatched to start the travel to thelocation of the emergency.

Two additional features are noteworthy. One is that even if the user isnot able to communicate with call center 205 after sending the emergencyalert signal, the call center is able to communicate back to the userthat “help is on its way,” or the like, so that receipt of the alertsignal is confirmed back to the user and re-assuring words arecommunicated to the user in view of the situation. The other is thatupon activation of the emergency signal, or at a predetermined timethereafter, an audible beep or tone is activated from the emergencycellular device at a preset time interval. This enhances the respondingparty's ability to locate the device and hence the user quickly uponarriving at the scene, being residence 201 in the exemplary illustrationof FIG. 2.

Numeric Keypad and Menu Displays

In one embodiment, when the user presses Emerg. button, in addition tothe sending of the emergency alert signal, the pressing of the Emerg.Button causes a numeric keypad, such as shown in FIG. 3, toautomatically appear on the touch screen. While use of Emerg button 114is described in this example, the alert signal could also be sent byvoice activation if the user selects to put switch 118 in the voicemode.

The call center gives the EMR the emergency cellular device's accesscode, this being done either at the time of the call center's originalcall to EMR or while talking en route while EMR is on its way to theuser's address. EMR inputs the access code using the displayed numerickeypad upon its arrival at the emergency location to open and viewstored information, and in particular the synoptic medical data on thedevice.

FIG. 4 is a menu screen display according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5is another menu screen display according to an alternative embodiment.FIGS. 4-5 illustrate exemplary menus that can be used to appear on thetouch screen when the correct security access code is entered. FIG. 4presents text headings of the different data that are available in themenu. FIG. 5 shows a format where the individual data files areindicated by icons or symbols. In both FIGS. 4 and 5, the file is openedby touching the desired text or icon, respectively, displayed on touchscreen 124.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the opening of specific data foldersfrom the menu screen, and diagrams how individual pages of data areopened under each specific text heading. The same would apply ifcomputer icons were used for the menu instead as in FIG. 5.

Another aspect of the emergency cellular device is its use in anon-emergency situation, such as routine medical visits at a doctor'soffice, a hospital or at a meeting with a healthcare worker. For thisaspect of the disclosure there is another button on the device termed asmenu button 128 that is pressed to project a numeric keypad such asshown in FIG. 3 on the touch screen. The user, now perhaps also apatient or client, enters the security code on the keypad to accesswhatever information is desired with the selection appearing as a menuon the touch screen, whether it be in a text format as in FIG. 4 or in asymbol or icon format as in FIG. 5.

A significant feature of the emergency cellular device is its storage ofsynoptic medical information. It is synoptic medical information, ratherthan a full medical history, that is often needed by responders to amedical emergency, as well as being often all that is needed at amedical office visit in that it presents the essential medicalinformation without “overload” or getting into details and history thatmay not be needed. This enables the user-patient, not in an emergency,but in an urgency or even a routine doctor's visit, healthcare workervisit, pharmacist consult, etc., to show his/her vital informationitems. This insures that accurate information is conveyed withoutreliance on memory or having to gather and carry around papers. In theemergency situation, this enables the responders to get quick access toonly that medical information necessary for addressing the presentsituation.

Also preferably only the call center is able to enter, change or evenaccess the synoptic medical information. This provides a higher level ofassurance that the synoptic information is correct by blocking others,even the user, from access to this data file. Other data files stored inthe emergency cellular device can be similarly blocked, as desired, fromaccess by anyone other than the call center, or left accessible forupdates and changes by others, depending upon the particular setupestablished for the device.

Touch Screen and Layout

Referring to FIG. 7, touch screen 124 occupies the majority of spaceavailable on a top surface of the device, thereby enhancing the touchscreen's functionality in its use for accessing and viewing informationdisplayed from storage in the device. Touch screen 124 is framed by aborder 702 on the top surface.

The dimensions and shapes of the touch screen can be varied from thatshown. For example, the projected sides are shown as aligningapproximately with the edges of the touch screen rather than the outsideedges of border 702. This is just a matter of convenience ofillustration and is not intended to indicate a specific sizerelationship between the top planer surface and touch screen 124 thereonand any of the projected sides shown in FIG. 7. Possible relative sizevariations include, for example, changes in the widths, lengths andshapes of the sides, the borders, the touch screen and the variousconnector ports and buttons.

A projected front side of the emergency cellular device is defined by aperimeter 704 wherein emergency button 114 is located. Border 706 liesbetween an outer edge of button 114 and perimeter 704. The top surfaceof emergency button 114 extends almost the full length and width of thefront side so as to maximize its size for ease in locating it fordepressing the button under emergency conditions.

Input-output port 104 (FIG. 1) is located at projected right side 708.This could consist of an arrangement of connections forming a docketingport to connect with a docketing station, or could contain one or moreports as necessary for establishing independent input/outputconnections.

In one embodiment there is an external microphone (mic) attachment that,when plugged in, disconnects the internal mic 106. A recorder jack isused which when a recorder is connected to it, the audio communicationsthat occur subsequent to the sending of an emergency signal to the callcenter are recorded. In another embodiment, an external antennaconnector is used for connecting an external antenna, automaticallydisconnecting internal antenna 112, and thereby providing a strongerradiated signal from, and stronger received signal to, the emergencycellular device. In another embodiment, a battery charger port is usedfor recharging the battery if a rechargeable battery is used in batterypower supply 126. In yet another embodiment, the same or another port isprovided for use of an external power source to avoid use of theinternal battery. This is convenient when the emergency cellular deviceis used to perform functions in a non-emergency situation, such asprinting out data from storage and sending device storage data to thecall center. In another embodiment, a port for connecting to an externalmonitor is added in this input/output port area, in which case internaltouch screen 124 is disconnected and the external monitor becomes thedisplay screen.

In one embodiment, at least one USB port is included in input-outputport 100 whether used as individual connectors or as a docketing portformed of an arrangement of connections matched for a single connectionto a docketing station. The USB ports are used for connecting theemergency cellular device to an external computer or the like. Thisallows for a print-out of data stored in the device, for viewing thedevice's data on a larger screen, and/or for inputting data to, orupdating data in, the device. In one embodiment, a keyboard, a mouse,external storage, and/or the like is connected as desired to theemergency cellular device at the device's USB ports.

For simplicity of illustration in FIG. 7, only two connectors 710, 712,are shown by way of example as the input/output port module of thedevice.

Projected left side 714 is located near the menu button 128. Depressingthis button brings up the numeric keypad on touch screen 124 and onceaccess is gained to the device, the touch screen is then used as aselector switch for accessing stored information of interest. This isfor use generally in non-emergency occasions.

The Send Cell Info button 130 is located near the top side 716.Depressing this button allows the user to transmit selected informationto the call center. For example, when the user selects, as an example,the “Meds” menu which then appears on touch screen 124, this informationis transmitted to the call center by depressing Send Cell Info button130. This button overrides emergency button 114 so that the informationis sent but not with any emergency situation signal. This feature ishelpful, as one example, when the call center wants to confirm or updatestored information in the medical cellular device. A hospital, doctor'soffice or health care facility with a relationship with the user, mayhave requested information from the call center. The call center usesthis feature to obtain the information from the device, or to coordinatethe call center's information on file with that stored in the device.

Speaker 120 is in one embodiment, located in border area 702 under aperforated metal or plastic top or the like. Alternatively, speaker 120is installed any one of the projected bottom, top, right and left sides,704, 708, 714 and 716, respectively, or any combinations thereof.

Wearable Jewelry

Referring to FIG. 8, a wearable receptacle for the medical cellulardevice is in the form of a piece of jewelry with a hinged or movablecover, illustrated in the open position. The jewelry piece depicted isin the form of a woman's brooch or a necklace or wristlet, with a topmoveable surface that covers an inside enclosure of the decorativepiece. Such a structure is sometimes used for inserting a picture, akeepsake, or the like, with the enclosure made to be of various sizes asa matter of design choice.

In FIG. 8, emergency cellular device 100 is inserted in such anenclosure which inconspicuously houses the cellular device. The drawingand its components are not necessarily drawn to scale, nor does itrepresent any particular size, relative sizes or shapes.

Methods of Use

Referring to FIG. 9, and prior to user operation of the device, an APPcontaining synoptic medical data, user profile data, drugs data andother information, as desired, is sent to and downloaded into theemergency device from the call center, as indicated at step S 901. StepS 901 is shown with a dashed line as this is a preliminary step inloading the emergency cellular device and is not a step in the actualuse of the device in an emergency event. The call center sends the APPand data contained therein to the emergency cellular device by dialingthe number and/or code associated with the emergency device to open aconnection or communication channel between the call center and theemergency device.

In one embodiment, the emergency device has an on-off switch for thebattery power supply 126. In another embodiment, the no such button inorder to conserve space given the small size of the device and giventhat the device in its use as an emergency alert is most often in an ONstate all the time. Since significant battery drain does not occur untilthe emergency device is actually used, namely, when the emergency buttonis depressed or voice activator is triggered, the device is able toremain ON in its standby mode without significant battery usage so as toprovide a long standby life that could extend for up to 30 days orlonger depending on the size battery used as battery power supply 126.

This constant ON condition in a standby mode also allows for the callcenter to send updates to the APP at any time, such as a synopticmedical data update after an intervening doctor's visit or some othernon-emergency medical event, for example.

Referring to FIG. 2, an emergency call is made from the emergencycellular device 100 at residence 201 to call center 205 at the onset ofa medical emergency. Step S 902 in FIG. 9. The alert signal is sent bythe user pressing emergency button 114 when the device is set for themanual mode, or by an audible sound, such as the user yelling “help,”picked up by microphone 116 when the device is set for the voice mode.

While the emergency device is described as having this choice of manualor voice modes for activating an emergency signal to the call center, inone embodiment, the two modes are combined to give a safer backupoperating mode. In this combined mode, both the emergency button and thevoice activator are active. Thus either pressing the emergency button,OR yelling an audible sound, such as “help” as the word used for thisdescription purpose, will trigger an emergency signal being sent to thecall center.

Upon receipt of the medical emergency signal, the call center is able toidentify the user from the data received with the signal from theemergency device, such as the sending number or other code. The callcenter is then able to pull up the information it has on file associatedwith this user's emergency cellular device. The call center contacts anappropriate office, such as an emergency medical rescue (EMR, #207)station, as indicated at step S 903, to dispatch them to respond to thelocation of the emergency cellular device. Optionally, the call centerand the EMR station can engage in communication as necessary to conveyinformation relevant to the emergency situation at hand, illustrated atstep S 904 and dashed line 209 in FIG. 2.

The call center then can communicate, over communication channel 203,back to the user, at step S 905, to, for example, acknowledge receipt ofthe emergency signal and reassure the user that “help is on its way.”Alternatively, the call center can first upon receiving an emergencysignal, communicate back to the user to confirm the emergency situationand obtain any additional information that may be available from theuser. This alternative is shown by the dashed line of step S 906.

The dashed line of step S 907 illustrates that call center 205 and EMR207 can communicate with each other while the EMR is en route, #221, tothe user's address.

Another option is indicated at step S 908 in that the EMR can alsocommunicate with the user en route (FIG. 2, #211) if desired and ifpossible, given details of the particular emergency. For example, if theemergency cellular device is set in the voice mode, or in the combinedvoice-manual mode, the EMR can be patched into the emergency signalcommunication channel established between the emergency cellular deviceand the call center so that the EMR continues to hear any audible soundsfrom the user. In one embodiment, voice communication to the usercontinues over this channel from either or both the call center as wellas the EMR, indicated by the steps S 908 and S 909 in FIG. 9.

Upon arriving at the user's (medical cellular device's) location, theEMR then accesses the medical cellular device, step S 10, andspecifically its touch screen to input the necessary security code inorder to access the synoptic medical information as well as otherinformation stored in the device in dealing with the nature of theemergency.

FIG. 10 illustrates a touch screen front view of the emergency cellulardevice and its relation to a displayed numeric keypad and an icondisplay of available data file folders. This front planar view 1001 ispresented of the emergency cellular device in an alternative layout tothe embodiment of FIG. 7. Shown in the front planar view is touch screen124, Emerg Button 114 and menu button 128 (FIG. 1) being shown herelabeled as a Code button to reflect its use in pulling up the keypad forentry of an access code. In one embodiment, emergency cellular device100 functions so that pressing menu button 128 produces the numerickeypad of FIG. 3 which is used to enter an access code to have a menudisplayed on touch screen 124, such as a menu arranged with icons, as inFIG. 5, representing the individual data files stored in the cellulardevice.

In an alternative embodiment, the cellular device functions so that themenu of available data files appears on the display automatically whenEmerg. Button 114 is pressed to send the emergency alert signal.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart for a method of use according to one embodimentof the emergency cellular device. FIG. 11 presents a method of use notlimited to a particular field of use. Although described with respect toan emergency medical situation as a preferred embodiment of use for thecellular device, the described cellular device is not limited to itfunctioning in a medical environment. The device, and an emergency alertsystem incorporating the device, is used in other environments as well.One such application is as a personal security alert device for use athome, at a business or even on the go in a mobile situation.

At step S 1101, a user presses an emergency button on the device at theonset of an emergency situation. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, thepressing of the emergency button both sends a signal to a call centerand automatically causes a menu of data available in the device to bedisplayed on a touch screen, as shown as step 1102. In other words, thepressing of the emergency button overrides the locked access to data inthe device that is otherwise not accessible without entry of a securityaccess code, and makes that data available via the menu being displayed.This is considered helpful for either the user or personnel respondingto the emergency alert signal to access needed information quicklywithout having to know, and going through the step of keying in, anaccess code when time is of the essence.

Next at step S 1103, the user hears the call center's response, such as“help is on its way”, or the like, which serves to confirm that theemergency signal was received and is reassuring to the user that helphas been summoned.

With a communication channel having been opened between the user and thecall center, the user at step S 1104 is able to respond back to the callcenter audibly with any additional information if desired.

An audible beep or the like is activated from the cellular device so toenhance the locating of the device by responders when they arrive at thelocation of the device, as shown by step S 1105. Such a feature ishelpful in situations where the cellular device is located in aninconspicuous place, or some distance from the user, or in the user'spocket or even under the user. This audible tone or beep can beactivated when the emergency button is pressed in step S 1101, or whenthe audible communication ceases between the user and the call center,or at any predetermined point in time, such as starting x number ofminutes or seconds after the emergency button is pressed. For example,the audible noise or beep can be activated when the emergency button ispressed and can continue to beep every 5 or ten seconds for a period oftime or until the audible alarm or locating signal is deactivatedmanually.

In one embodiment, at step S 1106, the one or more responders thatarrive on the scene at the location of the cellular device viewsimmediately any information stored in the cellular device to assist themin providing further responsive measures that the information enablesthem to do.

In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the security in terms of accessing theinformation stored in the cellular device remains intact. Thus when theemergency button is pressed, the menu is not automatically displayed onthe touch screen. Steps S1201, S 1202 and S 1203 are the same as stepsS1101, S 1103 and S 1104 in FIG. 11. (Common steps were not repeated inFIG. 12). At step S 1204, the responder(s), upon arriving on the scene,enter the security access code for the device which brings up the menu,as described with respect to FIGS. 3-6.

Except for this difference in the emergency responders having to enterthe security code to gain access to the information stored in thedevice, the steps of FIG. 12 are the same as those of FIG. 11. Also forsimplicity, step S 1105 in FIG. 11 is omitted in FIG. 12. However, thesending of an audible beep from the device is a matter of choice andthis step can also be included in the method of FIG. 12 as describedwith reference to FIG. 11.

Although the descriptions of the medical cellular device, its system andits methods, have been described in various embodiments relating to itsuse in a medical emergency situation, the disclosed device, itsstructure and components, and an emergency response system using theemergency device is not so limited. For example, the disclosure is alsoapplicable to security situations where the call center would be apolice department or a private security service. The same or similaroperating device and its components, the same or similar systeminteraction and the same or similar methods, steps and processes haveapplication for security and child protective emergency usages as justtwo examples.

In use of the disclosure as a security measure, the emergency device canbe used as a premises security device, such as for a residential/homesecurity or for security at a business premises. Further in terms of itssecurity applications, a user can carry the emergency deviceinconspicuously on their person, as a wearable piece of jewelry or in apurse according to some exemplary embodiments described herein. Thiswould then serve as a mobile security alert device, with application aswell for child security. When used as part of a security system, theresponding party would be, the police, personal from a private securityfirm, or parents, as examples, instead of the EMR.

Travel

Embodiments of the invention provide for a cellular device withcapabilities for providing help in an emergency when the user of thecellular device is traveling, which may include domestic travel orforeign travel. Domestic travel may include any region, state, city,etc. in the home country of the user of the cellular device. Foreigntravel may include travel outside the user's home country to any area ofthe world, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa,and Australia. These embodiments may include a feature in which thedevice's geographic location determining module, which may be GPS (shownas 132 in FIG. 1), is used to first determine the geographical locationof the user of the device through satellite-based global positioning.Then, based on the geographical location, the emergency button isconfigured to make a call to and/or send a text message to an emergencynumber applicable/relevant to that geographical location. In addition oralternatively, the geographical location determining module may operatethrough triangulation of the position of the cellular device based onthe nearest cell towers, which is known in the art. The call and/or textmessage may convey information to the emergency number such as personalmedical information, instructions that medical help is needed, and thegeographic location of the medical cellular device.

One embodiment of the invention provides a medical cellular devicecomprising a call and/or texting module, a geographic locationdetermining module, and an application. The application containspersonal medical information, a database of emergency numbers andcorresponding geographic locations, and a security module forselectively controlling display of the personal medical information onthe medical cellular device. In any embodiment disclosed in thisspecification, the database may be used in conjunction with computerprogramming configured to automatically seek out, retrieve, and/orselect one or more relevant emergency numbers for a particulargeographic location in which the cellular device is located. The medicalcellular device provides for selection of an emergency number from thedatabase of emergency numbers according to the geographic location ofthe medical cellular device, which can be pre-programmed by the userinto the device and/or determined from the geographic locationdetermining module. The call module is configured to transmit a signalfrom the medical cellular device to the selected emergency number. Thepersonal medical information is stored in a memory storage on thecellular device and the application can be configured to lock access tothe personal medical information. The signal to the selected emergencynumber comprises one or more of: (a) electronic media stored on themedical cellular device, which media conveys the personal medicalinformation, (b) audio, visual, or text instructions that medical helpis needed, optionally provided in a language applicable to thegeographic location in which the cellular device is located at the timeof the signal, or (c) a call transmitted to the emergency number for theuser of the cellular device to speak to emergency personnel associatedwith the emergency number.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for communicatingemergency medical information comprising providing a medical cellulardevice comprising a call module, a geographic location determiningmodule, and an application. The application contains personal medicalinformation, a database of emergency numbers and correspondinggeographic locations, and a security module for selectively controllingdisplay of the personal medical information on the medical cellulardevice. The method further comprises determining a geographic locationof the medical cellular device via the geographic location determiningmodule, selecting an emergency number from the database of emergencynumbers according to a geographic location of the medical cellulardevice determined from the geographic location determining module, andactivating the call module to transmit a signal from the medicalcellular device to the emergency number wherein the signal comprises oneor more electronic media stored on the medical cellular device, whichmedia conveys the personal medical information and instructions thatmedical help is needed.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of a particular embodiment of a method forcommunicating during a medical emergency event. In one embodiment, atstep S 1301, a medical cellular device is provided, the medical cellulardevice comprising: (a) a call module, (b) a geographic locationdetermining module, (c) an application containing: (i) personal medicalinformation, (ii) emergency numbers, and (iii) a geographic location ofeach of the emergency numbers. Next, at step S 1302, the geographiclocation determining module is allowed to determine an actual geographiclocation of the medical cellular device. Next, at step S 1303, theapplication is allowed to compare the actual geographic location of themedical cellular device with the geographic location of each of theemergency numbers to identify a subset of the emergency numbers having ageographic location in common with the actual geographic location of themedical cellular device. Next, at step S 1304, one of the emergencynumbers that has a geographic location in common with the actualgeographic location of the medical cellular device is selected. Finally,at step S 1305, the call module is activated to transmit a signal fromthe medical cellular device to the selected emergency number.

For example, in one embodiment, the memory storage 108 of the cellulardevice is loaded with a database of emergency numbers each correspondingto a geographic location, such as specific countries, regions, orcities. Additionally, the geographic location determining module may beconfigured with computer-executable instructions that returns a countrycode and/or the closest city (for example, in a radius of 10, 20, 30,40, 50, or 60 miles, which may be set by the user) for each set ofgeographical coordinates (i.e. latitude and longitude), or approximatelocation of the medical cellular device. A database, which may beseparate or the same, may house a listing of emergency numberscorresponding to each country and city. Then, upon pressing theemergency button, computer-executable instructions in the memory storage108 may cause the device's CPU 106 to utilize the country/cityinformation determined from the geographic location information todetermine the appropriate number to call, based on information in thedatabase of emergency numbers.

In one embodiment, the emergency numbers are equivalent to “911” in theUnited States. That is, the emergency number is a short code (typicallythree digits), which will link the caller to an emergency dispatchcenter (otherwise known as a Public-Safety Answering Point (PSAP)) whichcan send emergency responders to the caller's location in an emergency.In embodiments, the PSAP receives electronic media such as texts at thesame or at a different number than the short code. In other embodiments,the emergency numbers are the numbers of hospitals or othercare-providing organizations within various countries and/or cities. Inother embodiments, the emergency numbers are emergency contacts, such asrelatives, friends, neighbors, or other contacts that the userdesignates. The cellular device may also be programmed to contact aseries of emergency numbers continuously until a connection is made withone of the emergency numbers or in case a call is disconnected from oneof the emergency numbers. The cellular device may also be programmed toprioritize a series of potential emergency numbers by analyzing theuser's usage of the device to determine numbers most frequently calledor received by the user. The database of emergency numbers may becustomized according to specific preferences or travel itinerariesentered, especially by the user. In other embodiments, the emergencycontacts may include a travel contact such as a tour group leader, whomay arrange for the appropriate medical services for the user.

In a preferred embodiment, pressing the emergency button 114 mayautomatically link the user to a specific emergency number based on thepreferences of the user. Alternatively, pressing the emergency button114 may cause a drop-down menu containing the emergency numbers in thedatabase to appear, and the user may select the emergency number fromthe drop-down menu based on location and preferences, which may includea PSAP, a hospital, and/or an emergency contact. In embodiments the usermay choose countries based on their particular travel itinerary from adrop down menu, to limit the number of choices during an emergency.

In embodiments, pressing the emergency button 114 may cause the medicalcellular device to send a signal containing one or more electronic mediaconveying information to the emergency number. The information mayinclude the stored personal medical information of the user, geographiclocation, a message that medical help is needed, and other relevantinformation, which may be tailored according to the particular type ofemergency number selected. The electronic media may include voice, text,pictures, video, or, as described further below, any electronic mediaformat capable of being transmitted over a cellular communicationsnetwork.

In a particular embodiment, pressing the emergency button 114 may causea text message (e.g. via Short Message Service (SMS), or InstantMessaging (IM)) containing the stored personal information of the user(such as personal data, personal medical condition information, personalmedical history information, prescribed drugs, and allergies) to be sentto the appropriate PSAP or hospital. For example, the text message maybe sent to “911” or an equivalent PSAP in a foreign country, and/or to ahospital to which the first responders are transporting the patient. Thetext message may be in any appropriate language, such as English or thenative language of a foreign country (if not English), or multiplelanguages.

Additionally, in a particular embodiment, pressing emergency button 114may cause a voice message to be sent to the PSAP or other emergencynumber. The voice message informs the operator that help is needed. Suchvoice message may include a short phrase such as “medical emergency,please dispatch first responders,” “please send an ambulance,” and thelike. Additionally, the message may be repeatedly broadcast to theemergency number and/or a series of emergency numbers. In oneembodiment, the voice message is in the English language. In otherembodiments, the voice message is in any language corresponding to thegeographic location of the medical cellular device. Other embodimentsmay include voice messages in multiple languages. This automaticgreeting may be selected by the user from available greetings providedin a database, or may be created by the user.

In addition to the personal medical information and message that help isneeded, the electronic media may also provide the location of the userto the operator. The location may be the exact geographical coordinatesfrom which the PSAP may determine the street address of the user.Alternatively, the device may be configured to provide a street address(or approximate address) in the native language based on thegeographical coordinates. This may be determined fromcomputer-executable instructions stored on the device configured totranslate geographical coordinates into street addresses.

Alternatively or in addition, pressing the emergency button 114 maycause one or more electronic media (such as a voice or text message) tobe sent to an appropriate emergency contact. Such media may includeinformation such as the location of the user, the hospital which theemergency responders are transporting the user to, the location andphone number of the hospital, etc. The conveyed information may be inEnglish or any language corresponding to the geographic location of themedical cellular device. Other embodiments may include messagesconveying this information in multiple languages. An appropriatelanguage can be selected in advance, such as pre-travel, by the user inanticipation of visiting specific countries or based on the known oranticipated language preference of any recipient.

With respect to the language feature, the medical cellular device may beconfigured to store messages (voice, text, and/or other electronicmedia) conveying personal medical information of the user of the device,or the message that help is needed, etc., in hundreds of languages anddialects corresponding various countries around the world. Such messagescan be stored in the memory storage of the device or available at asource accessible by way of the internet. The device's geographiclocation determining module then selects the appropriate message basedon the determined geographic location of the medical cellular device.Alternatively or in addition, the medical cellular device may include atranslation module that provides an appropriate translation, or thetranslation can be performed by any translation provider accessible onthe internet. Such translation module/provider may include storeddictionaries of relevant terms.

In addition to voice and text, the medical cellular device may relayinformation to the emergency number based on other electronic media(such as through Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)), including othersound media, stored images or pictures (in file formats such as .jpeg,.tif, .png, .gif) video files (such as .mpeg, .mpg, .rm, .wmv, .gifv),streaming video, presentation slides, word processing files, portabledocument format (.pdf), or related media. The media may include contentconveying the personal information of the patient such as personal data,personal medical condition information, personal medical historyinformation, prescribed drugs, and allergies. The media may optionallybe presented in the preferred language of the geographic area of themedical cellular device.

During travel, the device may function in a similar manner as previouslydescribed herein, except a specific emergency number (a PSAP, ahospital, or an emergency contact) is called as the “call center.” Insome embodiments, pressing the emergency number to transmit the signalto the emergency number may cause an option presented on the device forunlocking and displaying the personal medical information. In otherembodiments, pressing the emergency button may cause a menu of thepersonal medical information to be displayed on the medical cellulardevice. In the former case, the device may be unlocked by matching abiological marker (such as an iris scan or fingerprint) to that of astored biological marker or entry of an access code. In the latter case,pressing the emergency button makes the information accessible so thatthere is no need to enter a biological marker or code to read thepersonal medical information. The cellular device may send instructionsto the emergency number for unlocking the device via text message, voicemessage, or other electronic media. The instructions can include asecurity code needed for unlocking the cellular device.

Additionally, it is conceivable that during travel, the device could beconfigured to address other potential emergencies that may occur, suchas financial, legal, or safety emergencies, by storage of theappropriate phone numbers (such as financial institutions, police, andthe US embassies or consulates of foreign countries) and linkage tothese numbers according to geographic location. Text, voice, or othermedia could be sent to the appropriate contacts, depending on thesituation.

The device may be mounted to or incorporated in a piece of jewelry asdiscussed previously, which may include women's, men's, children's, andpet's jewelry, clothing, or other wearable items, such as a brooch,necklace, ring, earring, glasses, wristlet, key chain, belt buckle,collar, pin, cuff link, hat, scarf, sweater, headphones, pocket watch,or wrist watch.

The embodiments described herein are examples of structures, systems ormethods having elements corresponding to the elements of the disclosurerecited in the claims. The intended scope of the disclosure thusincludes other structures, systems or methods that do not differ fromthe literal language of the claims, and further includes otherstructures, systems or methods with insubstantial differences form theliteral language of the claims.

The present invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments having various features. In light of the disclosure providedabove, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the practice of the presentinvention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.One skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed features may beused singularly, in any combination, or omitted based on therequirements and specifications of a given application or design. Otherembodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in theart from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention.

It is noted in particular that where a range of values is provided inthis specification, each value between the upper and lower limits ofthat range is also specifically disclosed. The upper and lower limits ofthese smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in therange as well. While embodiments are described in terms of “comprising,”“containing,” or “including” various components or steps, theembodiments include “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” thevarious components and steps. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.It is intended that the specification and examples be considered asexemplary in nature and that variations that do not depart from theessence of the invention fall within the scope of the invention.Further, all of the references cited in this disclosure are eachindividually incorporated by reference herein in their entireties and assuch are intended to provide an efficient way of supplementing theenabling disclosure of this invention as well as provide backgrounddetailing the level of ordinary skill in the art.

1. A medical cellular device comprising: (a) a call module, (b) anapplication containing: (i) personal medical information stored in amemory storage on the medical cellular device, (ii) emergency numbers,and (iii) a geographic location of each of the emergency numbers, (c) ageographic location determining module configured to identify an actualgeographic location of the medical cellular device, wherein theapplication is configured to compare the actual geographic location ofthe medical cellular device with the geographic location of each of theemergency numbers to identify a subset of the emergency numbers having ageographic location in common with the actual geographic location of themedical cellular device, wherein the call module is configured totransmit a signal from the medical cellular device to one of theemergency numbers in the subset when selected.
 2. The medical cellulardevice of claim 1, further comprising a security module for selectivelycontrolling display of the personal medical information on the medicalcellular device, the security module configured to be selectivelyactivated or deactivated.
 3. The medical cellular device of claim 1,wherein the signal comprises a text message conveying the personalmedical information to the emergency number.
 4. The medical cellulardevice of claim 1, wherein the signal comprises a voice messageconveying instructions that medical help is needed.
 5. The medicalcellular device of claim 1, wherein the signal comprises a message inthe form of a voice message and/or a text message, and the message isprovided in a language relevant to the actual geographic location of themedical cellular device.
 6. The medical cellular device of claim 1,wherein the geographic location determining module is configured todetermine the actual geographic location of the medical cellular deviceby way of a satellite-based global positioning system and/ortriangulation from neighboring cell towers.
 7. The medical cellulardevice of claim 1, wherein the emergency number is a Public-SafetyAccessing Point, hospital, or emergency contact.
 8. The medical cellulardevice of claim 1, wherein the medical cellular device provides forselection of the emergency number by displaying a drop-down menu ofemergency numbers and each of their corresponding geographic locations.9. The medical cellular device of claim 1, wherein the medical cellulardevice provides for selection of the emergency number by automaticallyselecting an emergency number based on a geographic location of thedevice.
 10. The medical cellular device of claim 1, wherein the medicalcellular device comprises an audible alarm configured to be activatedwhen the signal is transmitted to the selected emergency number.
 11. Amethod for communicating during a medical emergency event, the methodcomprising: providing a medical cellular device comprising: (a) a callmodule, (b) a geographic location determining module, (c) an applicationcontaining: (i) personal medical information, (ii) emergency numbers,and (iii) a geographic location of each of the emergency numbers,allowing the geographic location determining module to determine anactual geographic location of the medical cellular device, allowing theapplication to compare the actual geographic location of the medicalcellular device with the geographic location of each of the emergencynumbers to identify a subset of the emergency numbers having ageographic location in common with the actual geographic location of themedical cellular device, selecting one of the emergency numbers that hasa geographic location in common with the actual geographic location ofthe medical cellular device, activating the call module to transmit asignal from the medical cellular device to the selected emergencynumber.
 12. The medical cellular device of claim 11, wherein the signalcomprises a text message and/or a voice message.
 13. The medicalcellular device of claim 12, wherein the message is provided in alanguage relevant to the actual geographic location of the medicalcellular device.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the geographiclocation determining module determines the actual geographic location ofthe medical cellular device via a satellite-based global positioningsystem or triangulation from neighboring cell towers.
 15. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the emergency number is a Public-Safety AccessingPoint, hospital, or emergency contact.
 16. The method of claim 11,wherein the emergency number is automatically selected based on theactual geographic location of the medical cellular device.
 17. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising activating an audible alarm whenthe signal is transmitted to the selected emergency number.
 18. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the application further comprises a securitymodule for selectively controlling display of the personal medicalinformation.